Directors Announce End of Tenure at Cincinnati Boychoir

Christopher Eanes & KellyAnn Nelson will depart Cincinnati in July

On Monday night, co-directors (and married couple) Christopher Eanes and KellyAnn Nelson announced that the 2018-2019 season would be their final one with the Cincinnati Boychoir.

“While our own careers are pulling us in new directions, we can confidently say the Boychoir has never been stronger than it is today. The board, the staff, and, most importantly, the boys and families, are incredibly dedicated to the success of the organization. The time is now right for new leaders, with fresh ideas, to guide this amazing organization into its next chapter,” said Eanes.

Christopher Eanes has led the Cincinnati Boychoir since 2009, first as managing artistic director and then as artistic director and CEO. KellyAnn Nelson joined the staff as director of education & outreach in 2011, and now serves as managing artistic director. Together, the two led the Boychoir through two strategic plans, the latest of which established the Cultural Curriculum, a program through which boys study the history, languages, and musical traditions from around the world in three-year cycles.

Dr. Eanes has been appointed the executive director of the Cathedral Choral Society at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. He will take up his new post on July 1 of this year.

Mrs. Nelson, in addition to her work with the Boychoir, is the founding artistic director of the Young Professionals Choral Collective, work that she will continue both in Cincinnati and around the country as the organization’s profile grows.

Dr. Eanes and Mrs. Nelson announced their decision at a meeting of the executive committee on February 2. There are already plans in place to appoint successors, and more information will be available on the Boychoir website.

Dr. Tom Merrill, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said “We are very grateful for the artistry, passion and leadership that Chris Eanes and KellyAnn Nelson have provided to the Cincinnati Boychoir. In the ten years that they have worked with boys from across our region, often in conjunction with other local amateur and professional groups, they have not only grown the Boychoir in size and reputation but have also instilled in these young men the bond of brotherhood, a sense of responsibility, and curiosity for other cultures through their travel. We are thrilled that they are beginning the next phase of their personal and professional careers and are very sorry to see them leave our region.”